I won’t be surprised in the slightest if Jamie Lyon is the big talking point after tonight’s so-called grand final re-match between the Sea Eagles and Roosters at Allianz Stadium
Unless Geoff Toovey is playing silly buggers, we are told the Manly skipper will switch from centre to five-eighth to cover for the injured Kieran Foran.
If Lyon does play at pivot, he could prove to be the most dominant player on the pitch with his exceptional speed, strength and passing skills.
He has played and starred in the position before and the Wizard thinks it could be a switch that creates huge problems for the Roosters, especially their smaller-framed 6, James Maloney.
Manly’s attack could be more dangerous than ever with Lyon’s increased handling of the ball. This is a huge game for both clubs and we all know what Lyon is capable of when he is asked for something special.
He has been tremendous this year – he is getting better with age – and it’s going to be a highlight watching him combine with Daly Cherry-Evans up against Mitchell Pearce and Maloney.
The Sea Eagles, still burning over their loss to the Roosters in the grand final, want to win this one badly.
They lost to Trent Robinson’s team five times last year and will be up for a highly-physical battle to stop the rot.
Both teams enjoyed a degree of luck winning their last starts but this shapes as a full-blooded contest and it’s a shame that both sides won’t be at full strength.
Aside from Lyon at five-eighth, there are several players I am hanging out to watch in this heavyweight Round 4 match-up.
Glenn Stewart has been in the news this week with his playing future far from settled. It’s a fact of life but nevertheless disturbing that he might have to leave Manly because they cannot afford to pay him what he is worth.
Watch for Stewart to produce a special game. Timing is everything when your contract is nearing its expiry date. He will be extra keen to show that Manly cannot live without him.
While talking about Manly players, I’ll be secretly cheering that winger David Williams has a strong game. Everyone remembers The Wolfman’s ‘howler’ in last year’s decider – he is a terrific player who suffered a day to forget in the game that mattered most in 2013.
Switching to the Sydney Roosters, the guys who will grab my attention are hooker Jake Friend, prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and winger-fullback, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Under coach Robinson, Friend has developed into one of the most accomplished dummy halves in the game. He looks completely happy with his football and happy footballers are the most dangerous on the planet.
Waerea-Hargreaves is the standout prop in the comp. He has got himself fitter than ever, is playing a lot straighter and as an enforcer, he ranks as my No. 1.
The exciting RTS is being gradually blooded at fullback to take over from Anthony Minichiello. This kid is going to be something very, very special. He has the footwork and speed to make a mockery of any defence.
The weather in Sydney has been crappy all week but I don’t think it will have a detrimental effect on the professionalism and resolve of these two teams.
If you want a tip from the Wizard, I’m leaning towards the Roosters. Manly can never be at their absolute best when their gun fullback Brett Stewart is watching on from the stands.
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